Cēsis is one of those places that feels much bigger than its size suggests. With a medieval castle, cobbled streets, old wooden houses and the green landscapes of Gauja National Park all close together, it’s an easy place to spend a full day exploring.
We first discovered Cēsis during our road trip through the Baltics, while travelling from Tartu to Riga. A Latvian friend had recommended stopping here, so what was meant to be a short detour quickly turned into one of the highlights of our journey.
If you’re staying in Riga, Cēsis also makes an excellent day trip. It’s close enough to reach by car, train or bus, yet feels completely different from the capital — quieter, greener and deeply connected to Latvia’s medieval past.
Is Cēsis Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. If you enjoy medieval history, atmospheric old towns and places that can be explored without rushing, Cēsis is well worth visiting. The historic centre is compact enough for a day trip, while Cēsis Castle, the Old Town and the surrounding parks give you plenty to see without spending the whole day moving from one attraction to another.
Best Things to Do in Cēsis in One Day
Explore Cēsis Medieval Castle
Cēsis Medieval Castle is the natural place to start exploring the town. Built in the early 13th century by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, it later became one of the most important strongholds of the Livonian Order.
Today, the atmospheric castle ruins are the highlight of a visit to Cēsis. One of the most memorable experiences is exploring the medieval towers with a candle lantern — a simple detail that makes the castle feel surprisingly immersive.
In 1207-1209, seeing the strategic importance of the location, the German Order of Knights began constructing a stone castle, marking the beginning of what would become Cesis.
Next to the ruins stands the 18th-century New Castle, now home to the Cēsis History and Art Museum. The surrounding Castle Park is also worth taking your time over, with old trees, paths and a picturesque pond just below the castle.
Visit St. John’s Church
Just a short walk from the castle stands St. John’s Church, one of the most important medieval landmarks in Cēsis. Dating back to the 13th century, it is one of the oldest medieval churches in Latvia and has been part of the town’s skyline for centuries.
Take a look inside if the church is open, but even from the surrounding streets its tall tower is one of the easiest landmarks to spot while exploring the Old Town.
Walk Through Cēsis Castle Park
After visiting the castle, take some time to walk through Cēsis Castle Park. The paths wind around a peaceful pond below the castle ruins, with plenty of shady places to stop for a while.
This was one of the places where we slowed down during our visit. After exploring the streets and castle, sitting by the water felt like the perfect break before continuing through the Old Town.
Wander Through Cēsis Old Town
Cēsis is compact, so one of the best things to do is simply wander without following a strict route. Around the historic centre you’ll find cobbled streets, colourful façades, old wooden houses and small cafés tucked between centuries-old buildings.
This is also where Cēsis feels least like a checklist of attractions. We enjoyed simply walking around, looking at the architecture and seeing what we found along the way.
How to Get to Cēsis from Riga
Cēsis is an easy day trip from Riga, even if you’re travelling without a car. You can reach the town by train, bus or car, making it one of the most convenient places to visit outside the Latvian capital.
By train: Trains run directly from Riga to Cēsis, with the journey taking roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on the service. The railway station is close to the historic centre, so you can easily explore Cēsis on foot once you arrive.
By bus: Direct buses also connect Riga and Cēsis. The journey is usually around 1 hour 50 minutes, and the bus station is next to the railway station, within walking distance of the Old Town and Cēsis Castle.
By car: Driving gives you more flexibility, especially if Cēsis is part of a longer road trip through Latvia or Gauja National Park. Cēsis is about 90 km from Riga, and having a car makes it easier to combine the town with other places in the region.
For a simple day trip focused on Cēsis itself, however, you don’t really need a car. The main sights in the historic centre are close enough to explore on foot.
Is Cēsis Worth a Day Trip from Riga?
Yes, Cēsis is absolutely worth a day trip from Riga, especially if you want to see a quieter and more historic side of Latvia beyond the capital. The town is small enough to explore in a day, but there is plenty to fill your time without feeling rushed.
What I liked most about Cēsis was the combination of medieval history and its relaxed atmosphere. We could explore the castle, wander through the Old Town, walk around the park, and still have time to enjoy the town rather than rush from one attraction to another.
We visited Cēsis as part of our Baltic road trip, stopping on the way from Tartu to Riga, and a few hours were enough to make us wish we had stayed longer. If you’re travelling from Riga, I would give Cēsis a full day — it’s an easy escape from the city and one of the places in Latvia I’d happily return to.
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About the author:
Hello and welcome! I’m Victoria, a travel writer and the creator of Best Kyiv Guide. I spent years working as a private tour guide in Kyiv, sharing the city’s history and everyday life with visitors. I now live in Sweden and write about the places I explore firsthand, sharing personal travel experiences, practical tips, and stories from Sweden, the Baltics, and across Europe.